The Thrill Beyond Words is a purely instrumental version of The Thrill of the Orchestra, a pocket-sized (11 minute) concerto for orchestra. It allows one to hear the music of Russell's best-known piece, and its distinctive showcase of orchestral forces, without narration. The premiere performance was by the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by its Music Director Bruce Kiesling. This was part of the 75th anniversary multi-media show honoring the historical Carolina Theatre, which commissioned the work.

duration: 11'

(2002)

3(3rd db. picc.)/2+E.h./2+b.cl./2+cbn.  4/3/3/1
timp.  3  perc.  strings
narrator

[The full-size orchestra may be reduced by the omission of any or all of the following instruments: fl. III, E.h., b.cl., cbn., tpt. III, perc. III. Cues for these instruments are provided in other parts.]